Fastener and assembly utilizing the same

ABSTRACT

A fastener is disclosed. The fastener includes a housing, a cage, a plurality retaining members and a plunger. The plunger is at least partially movable within said cage between a first position to cause said one or more retaining members to be displaced radially outwardly thereby mechanically coupling said housing to said cage, and a second position to allow said one or more retaining members to be displaced radially inwardly thereby allowing said housing to be uncoupled from said cage.

RELATED APPLICATION

The disclosure is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.12/511,274 filed on Jul. 29, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,251,606 Aug. 28,2012, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/848,917filed on Aug. 31, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,762,739 issued on Jul. 27,2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates to fasteners and more particularly relates toquick disconnect fasteners and to an assembly utilizing the same.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Fasteners are known in the art and are typically utilized for joiningtwo or more articles together. Conventional fasteners may include, forexample, screws, bolts and nuts (i.e., more commonly genericallyreferred to in the art as a ‘threaded fastener’), Velcro® (i.e., morecommonly referred to in the art as a ‘hook and loop fastener’), orother, more complex mechanical devices and linkages.

Although adequate for most applications, there is a need in the art foran improved fastener that permits a user to quickly and convenientlyjoin and then disconnect two or more articles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of a fastener in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A is cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 1 in adisconnected fully disengaged state in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B is another cross sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 1 in adisconnected, partially disengaged state in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 1 in aconnected, fully engaged state in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a fastener in a disconnected statein accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of a fastener in a connected state inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A is an isometric view of an assembly joined by way of a fastenerin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B is an isometric view of an assembly joined by way of a fastenerin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4C is an isometric view of an assembly joined by way of a fastenerin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 4A in adisconnected state in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the assembly in a connected stateaccording to line 5B-5B of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of a fastener in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 6 in adisconnected fully disengaged state in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is another cross sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 6 in adisconnected, partially disengaged state in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 8 according toline 9-9 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 8 according toline 10-10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 6 in aconnected, fully engaged state in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 11 accordingto line 12-12 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the fastener of FIG. 11 accordingto line 13-13 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 14A illustrates a plurality of implements and a handle body eachincluding a portion of the fastener of FIG. 6 in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14B illustrates one implement selected from the plurality ofimplements and the handle body of FIG. 14A;

FIG. 14C illustrates the selected implement arranged about the handlebody with the fastener arranged in a first, unlatched orientation; and

FIG. 14D illustrates the selected implement arranged about the handlebody with the fastener arranged in a second, latched orientation foraffixing the selected implement to the handle body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The Figures illustrate exemplary embodiments of a fastener and assemblyutilizing the same in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.Based on the foregoing, it is to be generally understood that thenomenclature used herein is simply for convenience and the terms used todescribe the invention should be given the broadest meaning by one ofordinary skill in the art.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2C, a fastener is shown generally at 10 accordingto an embodiment. In an embodiment, the fastener 10 generally includes,for example, a housing 12, one or more retaining members 14, such as forexample generally spherical retaining members 14, a cage 16, and aplunger 18. As will be explained in greater detail below, axial movementof the plunger 18 along a longitudinal axis, A-A, results in radialmovement of the retaining members 14 relative the axis, A-A, to effectinterlocking (see, e.g., FIG. 2C) or unlocking (see, e.g., FIG. 2B) ofthe housing 12 and cage 16.

In an embodiment, the housing 12 may be attached to an implement, I(FIGS. 2A-2C, 4A-5B). In an embodiment, the cage 16 may be attached to apower unit, P (FIGS. 2A-2C, 4A-5B). However, it will be appreciatedthat, in an embodiment, the reverse condition may occur in that thehousing 12 is attached to the power unit, P, and the ball cage may beattached to the implement, I.

According to an embodiment, the housing 12/cage 16 assembly may beattached to the implement, I/power unit, P, by any desirable fasteningmethod, such as, for example, welding or by a threaded fastener, T. Asseen in FIGS. 1-2C, the housing 12 may include an annular end portion20, and the cage 16 may also include an annular end portion 22 eachhaving respective threaded passages 24, 26 for receiving a threadedfastener, T. Although threaded fasteners, T, are disclosed, it will beappreciated that other fasteners, such as, for example, rivets, welds,or the like may be utilized to attach the housing 12/cage 16 to theimplement, I/power unit, P.

Referring to FIG. 1, the housing 12 may include a cavity 28 forreceiving at least a portion of the cage 16. The housing cavity 28 isgenerally defined by a substantially cylindrical bore having a surface30. As seen in FIG. 2A, the surface 30 is defined to include a recess 32(which may be a single bore, a series of spaced bores, or a continuousannular recess) for partially receiving the one or more retainingmembers 14. Although FIGS. 1-3B depict two retaining members (spaced180° apart from one another), it is contemplated that one or moreretaining members could be used. For example, the use of three equallyspaced retaining members 14 (i.e. spaced 120° apart) has the advantageof the minimum number of retaining members 14, that permit plunger 18 tobe centered within cavity 28.

Referring to FIG. 1, the cage 16 may further include a cavity 34 forreceiving at least a portion of the plunger 18. The cavity 34 ishereinafter referred to as a cage cavity 34. In an embodiment, the cagecavity 34 may be generally defined by a substantially cylindrical borehaving a surface 36.

In an embodiment, the cage 16 may further include one or more passages,which are shown generally at 38, for partially receiving the one or moreretaining members 14. Retaining members 14 are depicted as sphericalmembers (e.g. steel ball bearings) but it is contemplated that othergeometries (such as pins, etc.) will function equally as well. Passages38 may include at least in part a radial passage component. In anembodiment, as seen in FIGS. 2A-2C, one or more passages 38 may includeretaining portions, which are shown generally at 40, for partiallyretaining the one or more retaining members 14 proximate the one or morepassages 38 when the cage 16 is removed from the housing cavity 28.Other means for retaining the retaining members 14 within cage 16 arewell known to those skilled in the art.

Referring to FIG. 1, the plunger 18 may include a substantiallycylindrical body that is sized to be at least partially disposed withinthe cage cavity 34. In an embodiment, the plunger 18 may include a firstaxial end 42, a second axial end 44, and a side surface 46 between thefirst axial end 42 and the second axial end 44.

The first axial end 42 may further include a first opening 48 thatextends from the side surface 46 to approximately a central area of thefirst end 42 where a central axis, A-A, of the fastener 10 wouldotherwise traverse or extend there-through. The first opening 48 definesa passage 50 formed in the plunger 18 in the shape of, according to anembodiment, a slit that permits axial passage of a cable, thread,string, or the like, which is shown generally at S.

Referring to FIG. 1, the plunger 18 includes a second opening 52 formedin the side surface 46 that defines a passage 54 formed in the plunger18 for permitting passage of an anchor, AN, attached to an end of thecable, S. Passage 54 may have, at least in part, a radial component, andpassage 50 may have, in part, an axial component. In an embodiment, theaxial passage 50 and radial passage 54 are in fluid communication withone another such that upon disposing the anchor, AN, in the radialpassage 54, the cable, S, extending from the anchor, AN, may axiallyextend from the plunger 18 and through the axial passage 50. Other meansof attaching a cable to a member are well-known to those skilled in theart (such as crimping, gluing, threading, etc.) and do not necessarilyrequire an anchor AN.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2C, the side surface 46 of the plunger 18 isdefined to include several surfaces 56-64. In an embodiment, the sidesurface 46 may include a neck surface portion 56 for locating andretaining an urging member 66 and a shoulder surface portion 58 forforming a reaction surface for urging member 66. A portion of urgingmember 66 may urge against surface 58. Urging member 66 may be any knownurging device, such as a coil spring, gas charged cylinder, compressiblebody (such as rubber) or the like. If member 66 is a coil spring, thecoils of the spring member 66 can be concentrically disposed about theneck surface portion 56 whereas the shoulder surface portion 58 canprovide a seating surface for an end coil of the spring member 66.

The side surface 46 of the plunger 18 may further include a firstretaining member engagement surface 60. In an embodiment, the firstretaining member engagement surface 60 defines an axial segment of theplunger 18 to include a first diameter, D1 (see, e.g. FIG. 2A). Thefirst retaining member engagement surface 60 may, in an embodiment,contact the surface 36 of the cage cavity 34, or, in an embodiment, ispositioned substantially close to the surface 36 of the cage cavity 34when the plunger 18 is disposed in the cage 16.

The side surface 46 of the plunger 18 may further include a secondretaining member engagement surface 62. In an embodiment, the secondretaining member engagement surface 62 defines an axial segment of theplunger 18 to include a second diameter, D2 (see, e.g., FIG. 2A), thatis less than the first diameter, D1.

The side surface 46 of the plunger 18 may further include anintermediate retaining member engagement surface 64 located between thefirst retaining member engagement surface 60 and the second retainingmember engagement surface 62. The intermediate retaining memberengagement surface 64 does not define an axially parallel segment of theplunger 18 to include a constant diameter (as related to, for example,diameters D1, D2), but rather, defines a sloped or ramped surface (e.g.a frusto-conical surface).

Although the plunger 18 is described to include retaining memberengagement surfaces 60-64 having constant and non-constant diameteraxial segments, it will be appreciated that the plunger 18 is notlimited to the configurations disclosed above. For example, in anembodiment, the intermediate retaining member engagement surface 64 isnot limited to define the plunger 18 having a frusto-conical axialsegment; for example, in an alternative embodiment, the intermediateretaining member engagement surface 64 may define the plunger 18 to havea non-conical axial segment, such as, for example a concave or convexsegment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the fastener 10 may include a plug member 68. Plugmember 68 may be at least partially disposed in the cage cavity 34. Plugmember 68 may form a reaction surface for the urging member 66. In anembodiment, the plug member 68 may include an outer threaded surface 70that threadingly-cooperates with a threaded surface 72 formed in thesurface 36 of the cage cavity 34. The plug member 68 also includes anaxial passage 74 that permits axial passage of the cable, S.

Upon disposing the retaining members 14, plunger 18, urging member 66and plug member 68 in the cage 16, radial movement of the one or moreretaining members 14 may be provided by axially moving the plunger 18within the cage cavity 34. In an embodiment, the one or more retainingmembers 14 that are radially retained by the cage 16 will contact, atany given time, at least one of the first, second, and intermediateretaining member engagement surfaces 60-64, and, because of thedifferences in diameter and the frusto-conical shape of the axialsegment of the plunger 18 as defined by the surfaces 60-64, the one ormore retaining members 14 may be radially displaced according to theparticular surface 60-64 that the one or more retaining members 14 is incontact with.

For example, when the cable, S, is pulled in the direction of arrow, X(see, e.g., FIG. 2A), the first end 42 of the plunger 18 is positionedsubstantially adjacent the plug member 68 such that the urging member 66is compressed and one or more retaining members 14 are no longer biasedradially outwardly and they are free to move radially inwardly tocontact the second retaining member engagement surface 62. Because thesecond retaining member engagement surface 62 has a diameter, D2, thatis less than the diameter, D1, the one or more retaining members 14 willbe radially inwardly displaced when cage 16 is withdrawn from cavity 28of housing 12.

In another example, when the cable, S, is released, the urging member 66causes the plunger 18 to move axially away from the plug member 68 in adirection of arrow X′ (opposite the arrow X) such that the one or moreretaining members 14 contacts and rides radially outwardly along theintermediate retaining member engagement surface 64. Accordingly,because the intermediate retaining member engagement surface 64 includeslarger diameters at each axial segment of the surface 64 than that ofdiameter, D2, the one or more retaining members 14 are radiallydisplaced outwardly (away from the axis, A-A).

Now referring to FIG. 2C, as the urging member 66 causes the plunger 18to move even further away from the plug member 68, the second end 44 ofthe plunger 18 contacts a bottom surface 76 of the cage cavity 34 suchthat the one or more retaining members 14 may then contact the firstretaining member engagement surface 60 of plunger 18. Because theretaining member engagement surface 60 includes a larger diameter, D1,than that of the second and intermediate retaining member engagementsurfaces 62, 64, the one or more retaining members 14 may be biasedradially outwardly further from the axis, A-A, than that when the one ormore retaining members 14 contact the second or intermediate surfaces62, 64.

As seen in FIG. 2C, when the cage 16 having the one or more retainingmembers 14, plunger 18, and plug member 68 is disposed in the housingcavity 28, the one or more retaining members 14 may be radially alignedwith the recess 32 formed in the surface 30 of the housing cavity 28.Thus, when the plunger 18 is axially moved as described above, theradial displacement of the one or more retaining members 14 may permitthe one or more retaining members 14 to be in selective radialcommunication with the recess 32.

For example, when the one or more retaining members 14 contact the firstengagement surface 60 of the plunger 18, the one or more retainingmembers 14 may be displaced radially outwardly relative the axis, A-A,to engage the recess 32 and thereby come into contact with the housing12. Because the one or more retaining members 14 is/are generallydisposed in the one or more radial passages 38 of the cage 16, and,because the one or more retaining members 14 may at least partiallyengage the recess 32 to thereby contact housing 12, the end result ofthe radially outward positioning of the one or more retaining members 14relative the housing 12 and cage 16 results in the locking/coupling ofthe housing 12 and the cage 16. Conversely, when the one or moreretaining members 14 contact the second engagement surface 62 of theplunger 18 (see, e.g., FIGS. 2A and 2B), the one or more retainingmembers 14 are free to be displaced radially inwardly relative the axis,A-A; accordingly, when the one or more retaining members 14 aredisplaced radially inwardly, the one or more retaining members 14 aredisengaged from the recess 32, and, as a result, no longer contact thehousing 12 to result in the unlocking/uncoupling of the housing 12 andcage 16. Thus, the axial movement of the plunger 18 that translates intoradial movement of the one or more retaining members 14 relative theaxis, A-A, results in the quick and convenient connecting anddisconnecting of articles (e.g. the implement, I, and power unit, P)that the housing 12 and cage 16 are attached to by way of, for example,threaded fasteners, T.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a fastener is shown generally at 100according to an embodiment. The fastener 100 is substantially similar tothe fastener 10 with the exception of a solenoid driving mechanism 102that replaces the cable, S, and anchor, AN. As illustrated, whenelectrical current is applied to the solenoid 102, a mechanical coupling104 extending from the solenoid 102 draws the plunger 18 axially towardthe plug member 68 (see, e.g., FIG. 3A). Conversely, when no electricalcurrent is applied to the solenoid 102, the urging member 66 axiallymoves the plunger 18 toward the bottom surface 76 of the cage cavity 34(see, e.g., FIG. 3B).

Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C, a power unit, P, is defined to generallyinclude an integral prime mover, M, and handle, H, that are supported bywheels, W. The implement, I, may include any desirable device including,for example, a lawn mower, L (FIG. 4A), a tiller, T (FIG. 4B), a snowthrower, ST (FIG. 4C), or the like.

As seen in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the prime mover, M, may be mechanicallycoupled to the implement, I, to drive a blade, B, working member, or thelike of the implement, I. If desired, movement of the plunger 18, may beinitiated through a controller, C, located on/proximate the handle, H.Accordingly, in an embodiment, such actuation of the controller, C, maypull/release the cable, S. In another embodiment, such actuation of thecontroller, C, may provide an electrical current to the solenoid 102.However, it will be appreciated that the controller, C, is not limitedto pulling of the cable, S, or, the actuating of the solenoid 102 andthat the controller, C, may interface with any desirable fastener designthat results in the axial movement of the plunger 18.

Rotating coupler C, C′ is comprised of a female portion C and a maleportion C′. The coupler C, C′ is rotatably supported by one or morerotatable bearings or the like (not shown) rendering both coupler halvesC, C′ free to rotate. Coupler C′ is joined to a power output shaftdriven by engine M and couples rotating energy from C′ through C andultimately to implement, I. Coupler halves C, C′ have complementarygeometries (such as C having a square female receptacle and C′ shaped asa square male member adapted to be cooperatively received within squarefemale receptacle C′). These complementary geometries allow couplers C,C′ to operatively engage one another (i.e. transmit rotational power)when the implement, I is brought into contact with the power unit, P.

Referring to FIGS. 6-13, a fastener is shown generally at 200 accordingto an embodiment. As similarly described above with respect to thefastener 10, in an embodiment, the fastener 200 generally includes, forexample, a housing 202, a plurality of retaining members 204, such as,for example, generally spherical retaining members 204, a cage 206, anda plunger 208. As will be explained in greater detail below, axialmovement of the plunger 208 according to the direction of one of thearrows, X/X′, along a longitudinal axis, A-A, results in radial movementof the retaining members 204 relative the axis, A-A, to effectinterlocking (see, e.g., FIGS. 11-13) or unlocking (see, e.g., FIGS.8-10) of the housing 202 and cage 206.

Referring to FIG. 7, the housing 202 includes a cavity 210 for receivingat least a portion of the cage 206. The housing cavity 210 is generallydefined by a substantially cylindrical bore formed by an inner surface212. In an embodiment, the inner surface 212 forms a first annularrecess 214 a and a second annular recess 214 b for partially receivingthe plurality of retaining members 204. In an embodiment, the first andsecond annular recesses 214 a, 214 b are axially spaced apart from oneanother at an axial distance, AD1.

With further reference to FIG. 7, in an embodiment, the plurality ofretaining members 204 of the fastener 200 are arranged in a first group204 a and a second group 204 b. In an embodiment, an outer-most surfaceof each retaining member 204 of the first and second groups 204 a, 204 bof the retaining members 204 are also spaced apart at least by the axialdistance, AD1.

In an embodiment, when the cage 206 is inserted into the housing cavity210, the first group 204 a of the plurality of retaining members 204corresponds to the first annular recess 214 a (see, e.g., FIGS. 8, 11),and, the second group 204 b of the plurality of retaining members 204corresponds to the second annular recess 214 b (see, e.g., FIGS. 8, 11).Further, in an embodiment, it will be appreciated that although FIGS.6-13 depict each of the first and second groups 204 a, 204 b includingthree retaining members 204 (spaced apart from one another at an angle,θ_(a), θ_(b), approximately equal to 120° as shown in FIGS. 9-10 and12-13), it is contemplated that each of the groups 204 a, 204 b mayinclude more than three retaining members 204; for example, in anembodiment, each of the groups 204 a, 204 b may use four, five, six ormore equally spaced retaining members 204 (i.e. spaced apart from oneanother at an angle, θ_(a), θ_(b), approximately equal to 90°, 72° or60°) to further ensure that the cage 206 is rigidly centered within thehousing cavity 210.

Referring to FIG. 7, the cage 206 may further include a cavity 216 forreceiving at least a portion of the plunger 208. The cavity 216 ishereinafter referred to as a cage cavity 216. In an embodiment, the cagecavity 216 may be generally defined by a substantially cylindrical boreformed by a surface 218.

In an embodiment, the cage 206 may further include one or more passages,which are shown generally at 220, for partially receiving the pluralityof retaining members 204. The passages 220 may include, at least inpart, a radial passage component. In an embodiment, the one or morepassages 220 may include retaining portions, which are shown generallyat 222, for partially retaining the plurality of retaining members 204proximate the one or more passages 220 when the cage 206 is removed fromthe housing cavity 210. Other means for retaining the retaining members204 in the cage 206 are well known to those skilled in the art.

In an embodiment, the passages 220 are formed in the cage 206 to furtherdefine a first circumferential group of passages 220 a and a secondcircumferential group of passages 220 b that are spaced apart from oneanother according to the axial distance, AD1. In an embodiment, thefirst circumferential group of passages 220 a are associated with thefirst group 204 a of the plurality of retaining members 204 and thefirst annular recess 214 a. In an embodiment, the second group ofcircumferential passages 220 b are associated with the second group 204b of the plurality of retaining members 204 and the second annularrecess 214 b.

Once the first and second groups 204 a, 204 b of retaining members 204are disposed within the first and second circumferential groups 220 a,220 b of passages 220 and are spaced at least apart by the axialdistance, AD1, a center of each retaining member 204 of the first group204 a are axially spaced from a center of each retaining member 204 ofthe second group 204 b to define an axial distance, AD2, therebetween.As will be explained in greater detail in the foregoing disclosure, theaxial distance, AD2, permits the first and second groups 204 a, 204 b ofthe plurality of retaining members 204 to provide a pair acircumferential, axially spaced-apart bearing portions such that agap/spacing may be formed (according to a radial distance, d₂, shown,for example, in FIG. 11) between the housing 202 and the cage 206. In anembodiment, the gap/spacing, d₂, results in an arrangement of an outersurface 246 of the cage 206 being disposed proximate, but not adjacent,the inner surface 212 of the housing cavity 210; as such, when the cage206 is introduced into the housing 202, the outer-most surface of theplurality of retaining members 204 will bear substantially all of theload imparted to the fastener 200 such that substantially no load istransferred directly from/to the outer surface 246 of the cage 206 andthe inner surface 212 of the housing cavity 210.

Referring to FIGS. 9-10 and 12-13, each passage 220 of the firstcircumferential group of passages 220 a are angularly spaced apart fromone another according to an angle, θ_(a), and, in an embodiment, eachpassage 220 of the second circumferential group of passages 220 b areangularly spaced apart from one another according to an angle, θ_(b). Assuch, when the plurality of retaining members 204 are disposed withinthe passages 220, the plurality of retaining members 204 are angularlyspaced apart according to the angles, θ_(a) and θ_(b), determined byeach passage 220 of the first and second circumferential groups ofpassages 220 a, 220 b.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 13, it will be appreciated that the passages220 of each of the first and second circumferential group of passages220 a, 220 b may not necessarily be formed to include the same angularlyspaced-apart orientation along the length of the cage 206. For example,in an embodiment, the angularly spaced-apart arrangement of the firstcircumferential group of passages 220 a may be circumferentially offsetfrom the second circumferential group of passages 220 b by an angleapproximately equal to, θ.

In an embodiment, the angles, θ_(a) and θ_(b), may each be approximatelyequal to 120°, and, the angle, θ, may be approximately equal to 60°.Accordingly, because the illustrated embodiment of the cage 206 includesfirst and second circumferential groups of passages 220 a, 220 b thatare offset by the angle, θ, which may be approximately equal to one-halfthe angle defined by each of, θ_(a) and θ_(b), the plurality ofretaining members 204 may provide substantially equal, but oppositesupport for the plunger 208 within the cage 206.

Referring to FIGS. 6-7, the plunger 208 may include a substantiallycylindrical body that is sized to be at least partially disposed withinthe cage cavity 216. In an embodiment, the plunger 208 may include afirst axial end 224, a second axial end 226, and a side surface 228between the first axial end 224 and the second axial end 226.

The first axial end 224 may further include an axial end surface 230.The second axial end 226 includes a passage 232 extending axially intothe plunger 208. In an embodiment, passage 232 accommodates insertion ofan actuator rod, R, into the plunger 208, which is described in greaterdetail in the foregoing disclosure.

With further reference to FIGS. 6-7, the side surface 228 of the plunger208 is defined to include several surfaces 60-64 that are functionallysimilar to the surfaces 60-64 of the fastener 10 described above; assuch, further description of the surfaces 60-64 associated with thefastener 200 are not described in greater detail here. However, it willbe appreciated that the side surface 228 includes a first surfaceportion 234 a and a second surface portion 234 b each including thesurfaces 60-64. In an embodiment, the first surface portion 234 a isassociated with the first group 204 a of the plurality of retainingmembers 204, and, the second surface portion 234 b is associated withthe second group 204 b of the plurality of retaining members 204.

In an embodiment, the axial end surface 230 functions as a reactionsurface for an urging member 236. A portion of the urging member 236 mayurge against the axial end surface 230. In an embodiment, the urgingmember 236 may be any known urging device, such as a coil spring, gascharged cylinder, compressible body (such as rubber) or the like.

Referring to FIGS. 6-7, the fastener 200 may further include a plugmember 238. The plug member 238 may be at least partially disposed inthe cage cavity 216 for retaining the plunger 208 and urging member 236within the cage cavity 216. The plug member 238 includes an axial endsurface 240 that provides a reaction surface for the urging member 236.In an embodiment, the plug member 238 may include an outer threadedsurface 242 that threadingly-cooperates with a threaded surface 244formed in the surface 218 of the cage cavity 216.

Upon disposing the retaining members 204, plunger 208, urging member 236and plug member 238 into the cage 206, radial movement of the pluralityof retaining members 204 may be provided by axially moving the plunger208 within the cage cavity 216. In an embodiment, the plurality ofretaining members 204 that are radially retained by the cage 206 willcontact, at any given time, at least one of the first, second, andintermediate retaining member engagement surfaces 60-64, and, asdescribed above with respect to the fastener 10, because of thedifferences in diameter and the frusto-conical shape of the axialsegment of the plunger 208 as defined by the surfaces 60-64, theplurality of retaining members 204 may be radially displaced uponmovement of the plunger 208 in one of the directions according to thearrows, X/X′.

In an embodiment, an outer surface 246 of the cage 206 further definesan annular portion 248 that circumscribes the cage 206. In anembodiment, the annular portion 248 includes a first shoulder surface250 having a recess 252 that receives a seal 254. In an embodiment, theouter surface 246 further defines a ramp surface 256 that is spacedapart from the first shoulder surface 250. In an embodiment, the firstshoulder surface 250 is spaced away from a first axial end 258 of thecage 206 at an axial distance, AD3.

In an embodiment, the housing 202 may further include a pin member 260that passes through the housing 202 proximate a first axial end 262 ofthe housing 202. In an embodiment, the housing 202 may further includean end cap 264 disposed adjacent the first axial end 262 of the housing202. In an embodiment, the housing cavity 210 may extend into thehousing 202 from a second axial end 266 to the first axial end 262proximate the pin member 260.

In an embodiment, the distance that the housing cavity 210 extends intothe housing 202 may be approximately equal to the axial distance, AD3,between the first shoulder surface 250 and the first axial end 258 ofthe cage 206. Further, in an embodiment, the inner surface 212 thatdefines the housing cavity 210 generally corresponds to the outersurface 246 of the cage 206 between the first shoulder surface 250 andthe first axial end 258 such that the outer surface 246 of the cage 206is disposed proximate, but not adjacent (see, e.g., FIGS. 8, 11), theinner surface 212 of the housing cavity 210 as the first shouldersurface 250 is disposed adjacent an axial end surface 268 proximate thesecond axial end 266 of the housing 202.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, the cage 206 is shown disposed within thehousing cavity 210. Further, as seen in FIGS. 8-10, the actuator rod, R,has been moved according to the direction of the arrow, X, forcompressing the urging member 236 while also permitting the plurality ofretaining members 204 to move radially inwardly such that the pluralityof retaining members 204 do not come into contact with or engage thefirst annular recess 214 a and second annular recess 214 b formed by theinner surface 212 of the housing 202; as such, the housing 202 and cage206 are said to be in an unlocked or unlatched state/orientation.Conversely, as seen in FIGS. 11-13, the actuator rod, R, is releasedand/or the urging member 236 overcomes a bias applied to the actuatorrod, R, such that the actuator rod, R, is moved according to thedirection of the arrow, X′, for causing the plurality of retainingmembers 204 to be moved radially outwardly such that the plurality ofretaining members 204 come into contact with or engage the first annularrecess 214 a and second annular recess 214 b formed by the inner surface212 of the housing 202; as such, the housing 202 and cage 206 are saidto be in a locked or latched state/orientation.

It will be appreciated that any of the fasteners 10, 100, 200 describedherein may include three or more retaining members and openings asdescribed above with respect to the retaining members 204 and openings220. Further, it will be appreciated that the fasteners 10, 100, 200 mayalso be formed to define gap/spacing according to a radial distance, d₁,d₂ (see, e.g., FIGS. 8, 11), or the like between the plunger 208 and thecage 206 (see d₁) as well as the housing 202 and the cage 206 (see d₂).

In an embodiment, as described above, the radial distance, d₂, may befurther characterized by a distance/spacing between the outer surface246 of the cage 206 and the inner surface 212 of the housing cavity 210.d₂ may extend continuously along axial length 237 of cavity 210. d₂ mayalso extend continuously, angularly 360° (i.e. θ=360°). d₂may assume afixed distance along the axial length 237 or θ, or d₂ may vary (betweenupper and lower range limits) along the axial length 237 or θ. In anembodiment, the radial distance, d₂, may range anywhere between about0.005 inches −0.500 inches. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the radialdistance, d₂, may be approximately about equal to and range betweenabout 0.015 inches −0.100 inches. Alternatively, in an embodiment, theradial distance, d₂, may range anywhere between about 0.020 inches−0.200 inches. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the radial distance, d₂,may range anywhere between about 0.050 inches −0.150 inches.

In an embodiment, the radial distance, d₂, may provide severaladvantages over a substantially tight/friction-fit connection of thecage 206 and the housing 202 that may otherwise permitcontact/engagement of the outer surface 246 and the inner surface 212.For example, if one or more of the cage 206 and housing 202 includesmaterial that may rust, the close tolerances associated with atight/friction-fit connection may otherwise prevent the cage 206 to beinserted into the housing cavity 210. Further, if, for example, thefastener 200 is exposed to environments including dirt, dust, grime orother contaminates, trace amounts of the dirt, dust, grime or othercontaminates located upon the outer surface 246 or inner surface 212 mayinterfere with insertion of the cage 206 into the housing cavity 210.Thus, it will be appreciated that the radial distance, d₂, may give riseto increasing the likelihood of ensuring a consistent and repeatableconnection of the cage 206 and housing 202 by reducing the likelihood ofthe outer surface 246 engaging the inner surface 212.

Further, it will be appreciated that although the radial distance, d₂,provides several benefits described above, such benefits may not berealized without providing at least a pair of circumferential, axiallyspaced-apart bearing portions (realized by the axial distance, AD2, asdefined by the first and second groups 204 a, 204 b of the plurality ofretaining members 204). If, for example, the fastener 200 only includedone of the first and second groups 204 a, 204 b, a degree of undesirableslop would be introduced about the housing 202 and cage 206. Forexample, if one wanted to design/provide a fastener 200 with the radialdistance, d₂, while only providing one of the first and second groups204 a, 204 b of the plurality of retaining members 204, the housing 202would be permitted to (undesirably) slightly pivot (i.e.“teeter-totter”) about cage 206 due to the fact that the one group 204a/ 204 b would provide a single plane of circumferential bearingportion; as such, it will be appreciated that by providing at least apair of circumferential, axially spaced-apart bearing portions, twospaced apart planes of support are established and any slop is minimizedor eliminated, while also increasing the rigidity of the fastener 200.Thus, if the radial distance, d₂, is to be provided for the fastener200, at least a pair of circumferential, axially spaced-apart bearingportions give distant functional advantages.

Referring now to FIG. 14A, the fastener 200 is shown in conjunction witha tool-and-implement system, which is shown generally at 300 inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, the“tool” of the implement system 300 includes a hand tool, and, in anembodiment, the hand tool includes a handle, which is shown generally atH. In an embodiment, the implement system 300 includes a plurality ofimplements, I, including implements I1-I3. In an embodiment, thefastener 200 is utilized to connect the handle, H, to one implement,I1-I3, of the plurality of implements, I.

In an embodiment, the implement, I1, includes a rake head. In anembodiment, the implement, I2, includes a hoe head. In an embodiment,the implement, I3, includes a shovel head. Although the three implementsI1-I3 described above include a rake, hoe and shovel head, it will beappreciated that the plurality of implements, I, are not limited toinclude a rake, hoe and shovel head and that the plurality ofimplements, I, may include any desirable implement.

Further, it will be appreciated that the plurality of implements, I, arenot limited to including garden/yard-work tool implements, I1-I3, andthat the plurality of implements, I, may include any desirable feature,function or utility. In an embodiment, alternative implements mayinclude painting implements, such as, for example, a roller brush.

It will also be appreciated that the plurality of implements, I, arealso not limited to including work implements. For example, theplurality of implements, I, may be directed to sporting equipment. In anembodiment, if the plurality of implements, I, are directed to sportingequipment, the plurality of implements, I, may include, for example: aplurality of hockey stick blades each having a different curve (e.g.,curves ranging from no curve up to a swooping curve for permitting auser to have selective control over the lofting capability of a puckfrom the ice surface). Alternatively, the plurality of implements, I,may include a plurality of lacrosse stick heads each having differentweave patterns to the netting/shooting strings or the like (i.e., forcontrolling the direction of a ball as it is caught by/is shot out ofthe lacrosse stick head). As such, it will be appreciated that theplurality of implements, I, are not limited to include a particularimplement, I, that is to be attached to the handle, H.

Further, it will be appreciated that although the plurality ofimplements, I, are shown as being capable of being attached to a handle,H, it will be appreciated that the “tool” of the implement system 300 isnot limited to a hand tool, handle, H, or the like and that the “tool”may include any desirable body or the like that is not necessarilygripped with one's hand. In an embodiment, the “tool” portion of theimplement system 300 may include, for example, a boot that may be fittedto one's foot, and, the implement may include, for example, a snow ski,snow board, or the like. As such, it will be appreciated that the “tool”is not limited, per se, to a handle, H, or the like and that thefastener 200 may be used to connect any desirable “tool” to anydesirable implement, I.

As seen in FIG. 14A, each of the implements, I1-I3, includes areceptacle 302 having a cavity 304 for receiving the housing 202 of thefastener 200 therein. In an embodiment, each of the receptacle 302 andhousing 202 includes radial passages 306, 308 that are aligned with oneanother. In an embodiment, a rivet 310 or the like is inserted into theradial passages 306, 308 for affixing the housing 202 with thereceptacle 302. Although radial passages 306, 308 and a rivet 310 areshown for attaching the housing 202 with the receptacle 302, it will beappreciated that the attachment of the housing 202 and receptacle 302 isnot limited to the above-discussed design and that the housing 202 andreceptacle 302 may be attached by way of any desirable connectionincluding, for example, a welded connection, adhesive or the like.

Referring to FIG. 14A, the handle, H, is shown relative the cage 206. Inan embodiment, the handle, H, includes a cavity 312. In an embodiment,the cage 206 is inserted within the cavity 312 for joining the cage 206to the handle, H; in an embodiment, the cage 206 may be joined to thehandle, H, by any desirable method/means including, for example,adhesive, welding, a friction-fit connection or the like. In anembodiment, a first end 314 of the handle, H, is disposed adjacent asecond shoulder surface 316 of the annular portion 248 upon fullydisposing the cage 206 within the handle, H. In an embodiment, uponinserting the cage 206 within the handle, H, the outer surface 246 ofthe cage 206 is disposed adjacent an inner surface 318 defining thecavity 312.

As seen in FIG. 14A, the actuator rod, R, extends through bore 320formed in the handle, H, and out of a second end 322 of the handle, H.In an embodiment, a portion of the actuator rod, R, that extends out ofthe second end 322 of the handle, H, may be referred to as auser-accessible end 324 of the actuator rod, R, for permitting a user topush the actuator rod, R, into the handle, H.

In an embodiment, when the user presses/engages the user-accessible end324 and pushes the actuator rod, R, into the handle, H, the plunger 208is moved according to the direction of the arrow, X, for compressing theurging member 236 while also permitting the retaining members 204 to bedrawn radially inwardly. Further, when the user does not engage theuser-accessible end 324/releases and pressure applied thereto, theurging member 236 may be positioned/returned to its expanded orientationsuch that plunger 208 is moved away from the first axial end 258 of thecage 206 such that the retaining members 204 are located in aradially-outward orientation.

Referring to FIG. 14B, in an embodiment, a user may select theimplement, I3, from the plurality of implements, I, for attachment tothe handle, H. As shown in FIG. 14B, prior to insertion of the cage 206into the housing cavity 210 for attaching the handle, H, to theimplement, I3, the user engages and subsequently depresses theuser-accessible end 324 of the actuator rod, R, for drawing theretaining members 204 radially inwardly.

With the retaining members 204 drawn radially inwardly, the cage 206 isinserted into the housing cavity 210 of the housing 202. Referring toFIG. 14C, once the cage 206 is inserted into the housing cavity 210, theuser may no longer depress the user-accessible end 324 such that theurging member 236 may move the plunger 208 according to the direction ofthe arrow, X′, thereby causing the retaining members 204 to moveradially outwardly for locking/latching the cage 206 to the housing 202as shown in FIG. 14D. Because the cage 206 is affixed to the handle, H,and, because the housing 202 is affixed to the implement, I3, it may besaid that the implement, I3, is attached to the handle, H, according tothe orientation of the retaining members 204 shown in FIG. 14D.

In order to detach the implement, I3, from the handle, H, the user maysubsequently depress the user-accessible end 324 according to thedirection of the arrow, X, to move the retaining members 204 radiallyinwardly as shown in FIG. 14C such that the implement, I3, may no longerbe said to be locked/latched to the handle, H. The user may then attachone of the other implements, I1, I2, to the handle, H, as desired, oncethe cage 206 is withdrawn from within the housing cavity 210 associatedwith the implement, I3.

In an embodiment, the handle, H, may further comprise a cap, cover orthe like, which is shown generally at 326. The cap 326 may beselectively placed over or attached to the second end 322 of the handle,H, in order to prevent undesirable contact with the user-accessible end324 of the actuator rod, R, which may otherwise result in the unintendedunlocking/unlatching of one of the plurality of implements, I, with thehandle, H. Alternatively, rather than including a cap 326, the handle,H, may include other mechanical means (e.g., a safety lock) that impedesor prevents unintentional unlocking/unlatching of the handle, H, and theimplement, I1-I3, when the user-accessible 324 is depressed.

The present invention has been described with reference to certainexemplary embodiments thereof. However, it will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art that it is possible to embody the invention inspecific forms other than those of the exemplary embodiments describedabove. This may be done without departing from the spirit of theinvention. The exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and shouldnot be considered restrictive in any way. The scope of the invention isdefined by the appended claims and their equivalents, rather than by thepreceding description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fastener, comprising: a housing, wherein the housing forms a housing cavity, wherein the housing cavity includes at least two recesses, wherein the at least two recesses includes a first recess and a second recess that are spaced apart by an axial distance; a cage at least partially disposed in said housing cavity, wherein an outer surface of the cage is spaced apart from an inner surface of the housing that forms the housing cavity, wherein the cage defines: a cage cavity, and a plurality of passages aligned with said first recess and said second recess, wherein the plurality of passages includes a first circumferential group of passages and a second circumferential group of passages that are also spaced apart by the axial distance; a plurality of retaining members at least partially retained within said plurality of passages, wherein the plurality of retaining members includes a first group of retaining members and a second group of retaining members, wherein the first group of retaining members are disposed within the first circumferential group of passages, wherein the second group of retaining members are disposed within the second circumferential group of passages, wherein the first group of retaining members arranged within the first circumferential group of passages are aligned with the first recess for selective communication with the first recess, wherein the second group of retaining members arranged within the second circumferential group of passages are aligned with the second recess for selective communication with the second recess; a plunger including a surface that engages the plurality of retaining members, wherein the plunger is at least partially movable within said cage cavity between: a first position to cause said plurality of retaining members to be displaced radially outwardly from the first and second circumferential groups of passages of the cage to the first and second recesses of the housing thereby mechanically coupling said housing to said cage, and a second position to allow said plurality of retaining members to be displaced radially inwardly from the first and second recesses of the housing to the first and second circumferential groups of passages of the cage thereby allowing said housing to be uncoupled from said cage, wherein the plunger includes a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the plunger is at least partially disposed in said cage cavity; and an end plug including a distal end, a proximal end and an outer threaded side surface, wherein the cage cavity includes an inner threaded surface, wherein the outer threaded side surface of the end plug threadingly engages the inner threaded surface of the cage cavity.
 2. The fastener according to claim 1 further comprising: an urging member including a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the urging member is disposed directly adjacent the distal end of the plunger, wherein the distal end of the urging member is disposed directly adjacent the proximal end of the end plug, wherein the urging member is completely contained within the cage cavity.
 3. The fastener according to claim 2, wherein said side surface of the plunger includes first and second side surfaces that are spaced apart by the axial distance between the distal end of the plunger and the proximal end of the plunger, wherein each side surface includes: a first retaining member engagement surface, wherein the first retaining member engagement surface defines a first axial segment of the plunger to have a first diameter, a second retaining member engagement surface, wherein the second retaining member engagement surface defines a second axial segment of the plunger to have a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is less than the first diameter, wherein contact of a corresponding one of the first group and the second group of retaining members with the first engagement surface results in the group of retaining members being displaced radially outwardly, wherein contact of the corresponding group of retaining members with the second engagement surface permits the group of retaining members to be displaced radially inwardly.
 4. The fastener according to claim 3, wherein each said side surface includes an intermediate retaining member engagement surface between the first and second retaining member engagement surfaces, wherein the intermediate retaining member engagement surface defines a third axial segment of the plunger to have a frusto-conical shape.
 5. The fastener according to claim 2, wherein the plunger is completely contained within the cage cavity.
 6. The fastener according to claim 2, wherein the spaced apart relationship of the outer surface of the cage and the inner surface of the housing that forms the housing cavity provides means for ensuring a consistent and repeatable connection between the cage and the housing by reducing a likelihood that contaminates located therebetween will interfere with connecting the cage and the housing of the outer surface of the cage engaging the inner surface of the housing.
 7. The fastener according to claim 2, further comprising: an actuator rod attached to the plunger, wherein the actuator rod extends through a bore formed in the cage and out of the cage.
 8. The fastener according to claim 2, wherein the outer surface of the cage and the inner surface of the housing are spaced between .005 inches and .500 inches.
 9. The fastener according to claim 2, wherein the outer surface of the cage and the inner surface of the housing are spaced between .020 and .200 inches.
 10. The fastener according to claim 2, wherein the outer surface of the cage and the inner surface of the housing are spaced between .050 and .150 inches.
 11. The fastener according to claim 2, wherein the spacing between the outer surface of the cage and the inner surface of the housing ranges anywhere between .005 inches and .500 inches continuously along an axial length of cavity.
 12. The fastener according to claim 11, wherein the spacing between the outer surface of the cage and the inner surface of the housing extends angularly continuously 360° .
 13. The fastener according to claim 2, wherein each retaining member of each of the first and second groups of retaining members are angularly offset from one another at an angle, wherein the first group of retaining members are angularly offset from the second group of retaining members by an angle.
 14. The fastener according to claim 2, wherein the housing is attached to an implement, wherein the cage is attached to a handle. 